Buried in Proton’s vendor collaboration press release yesterday were mentions of future products that will be launched starting this year, including the national carmaker’s new AMA platform for entry-level vehicles.
Most notable was the seemingly innocuous partnership struck between China’s Imotion Automotive Technology and Proton’s long-term vendor Delloyd Technology, which would enable the former to help “accelerate the development and adoption of ADAS [advanced driver assistance] systems for the AMA01.” In actual fact, the news is hugely significant because there is one AMA-based model that will be launching this year – the new Proton Saga.
This in itself is not a massive surprise – after all, we’ve seen several camouflaged prototypes fitted with an ADAS camera at the top of the windscreen. But this tacit admission from the company itself is still big news and means that prospective customers can look forward to driver assistance systems finally coming to the budget sedan this year.
It remains to be seen whether the Saga will get the full suite of features that we’ve come to expect from larger and more expensive Protons. Given the car’s remit of providing the most bang for your buck, full Level 2 semi-autonomous driving systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist are probably a bridge too far, as they generally require higher-definition cameras and a front radar, both of which add cost.
That’s no big loss – just adding autonomous emergency braking alone would be a huge improvement over the outgoing model and put it on par with its biggest rival, the Perodua Bezza. We should point out, however, that there are cars out there, such as the Honda Civic, that provide Level 2 semi-autonomy using a purely camera-based system, so we can’t rule those features out just yet.
We’ll also have to wait to find out whether Proton will offer some or all of these features as standard (unlikely, again due to cost) and if it has addressed the Saga’s other safety issue – just two airbags across the range. Hopefully, the redesign has allowed the fitment of at least six airbags, which would give the car an edge over the aforementioned Bezza.
The new safety systems will join a heavily revised exterior design, still based on the outgoing Saga – itself tracing its lineage back to the 2008 “BLM” model. Leaked internal images purportedly show the new car with projector headlights, a full-width grille with the Ethereal Bow chrome bar and a new bumper design.
Inside, the changes are even more stark, with an all-new dashboard housing a widescreen display panel with instrument and infotainment screens, pill-shaped air vents and redesigned air-con switchgear. There’s also a new three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel lifted from the X50.
As for what’s under the bonnet, the Saga could be the recipient of a new Geely-sourced engine, perhaps related to the new 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine rumoured for the facelifted X50. We’ll find out for sure when the car launches in the fourth quarter of the year.
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To me…the most worthwhile upgrade is engine and transmission…along with NVH upgrade. Rest (except for AEB) doesn’t bring much practical value / use to everyday use.
Exactly. ADAS is overrated features which we are forced to buy. I hope ADAS is only for flagship…rest of us just wants all the standard safety (including 6 airbags) without paying for stuff we don’t want.
Say that till you get rear ended by someone playing with their phone. Adas should be standard. People are incompetent drivers.
The way I see those who drive the Saga on the road, speeding like no tomorrow and cutting from left to right and then left again, ADAS is a life saver for them!!
You mean Bezza drivers right?
And this model is getting an even more powerful 1.5L engine…
No matter how much botox u apply to the Saga..Bezza will still outsell and outshine the Saga,even at higher prices.
Jepun tech is still more reliable in the long run.
The Proton Saga however is getting a new engine remembered the Proton Saga sold in Pakistan back in 2021 needed a lowered CC than our own 1.3L spec?
The 1.5L NA is however too far fetch as it will bring the current model to shame.
Well but this moving forward will spell the death of Campro VVT engine soon.
Optional ke? Nanti harga naik 5ribu utk benda tak berguna tapi still guna engine campro timing belt.
If masih Campro and then harga naik because of ADAS. Confirmed cannot sell. Might as well buy old model at cheaper price.
why keeo having so many MC? just give an entirely new design to the car la…. the design is already dated as it was first launch is 2016. that’s almost a decade ago!
that’s not even mentioning the old platform…
Many will drive 1.5L small car by speeding, recklessly bumper to bumper..
Especially youngster, not yet adapt to competent driving style, follow the Q, not yet comfortable with 2sec driving distance.
A youngster 1st car must always have VSC, AEB, 360camera even better too.
must have Blind Spot Monitor too.
there are many Lane switching car/bike accidents.
Better than Proton wira,
Better than so many old cars that haven’t get AEB.
On top of safety upgrade, get the latest 1.5NA from Greely…
No need 1.5l turbo la.. 1.3 will do. If want premium, introduce hybrid technology to saga… That will be major improvement. Moreover pls la proton supply chain needs to upgrade and able to meet Geely supply chain standard and cost. Proton needs them to be competitive.
Design Proton sangat pelik, body kereta besar dan lebar tetapi wheel arch kecik sangat.
Sbb design ini based on Proton Savvy. Mcm Iriz convert sedan, pastu jd la Persona .
As always ploton will making joke as usual. Claiming got better safety with 2 airbags across variants. Only sohai believe another sohai. :D
No way Level 2 ADAS is going to make it into Saga at least not without costing a lot, like more than Persona price.
On other hand, I would love to have ACC/ICC in budget cars. Heck, more cars should have them. More people should be able to use ACC/ICC and Low Speed Stop and Go function especially since everyday keep on traffic jam. Takes half of the stress in driving away.
Engine combo from s70? Saga sport 59,999 best.
If they use the 1.5 NA engine on new saga, then there’s no need to also continue persona model. There must be a bit of price hike, and compete against persona and iriz right? Therefore, persona model discontinued soon?
Will it have lotus handling suspension design?
Proton already have the knowledge to tune like lotus… it is clear in Preve and many other Geely adopted models. Proton have the ability. I still like my Saga CVT 1st Gen, tuning and steering feel. way much better feel than Slyphy my wife drove.
i hope Proton continue to build on their strength and be reasonable. Automotive industry is a competition of supply chain not just proton brand alone. so proton must emphasize that to be in the supply chain must be competitive and strive to join Geely supply chain so that will have volume and economy of scale
If the car with refined CamPro 1.0 engine, CVT3, 13″ rim, will be a good buy.